Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is promoting his new book on leadership, dropping hints he’s ready to run for governor and facing fire from Republicans hoping to derail him before he even hits the campaign trail.

Demings, 66, hasn’t officially declared his candidacy, but more than half a dozen Democratic sources say he is seriously considering a bid. Some think an announcement could come soon.

The lifelong Democrat with strong law enforcement credentials would be a formidable candidate if he enters the fray, said Samuel Vilchez Santiago, chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.

“There will be a lot of excitement if he decides to run for governor,” he said.

Demings, a former sheriff and police chief, would provide a traditional, establishment option in next year’s Aug. 18 Democ

See Full Page